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The tariff exemptions granted by the United States to electronic products imported from China could expire in the coming months, warned the Secretary of Commerce of President Donald Trump's administration, Howard Lutnick.
"They are exempt from reciprocal tariffs, but they are included in the semiconductor tariffs, which will likely come in one or two months.", said Lutnick on "This Week" from ABC News.
The official also stated that "this is not a kind of permanent exemption", adding that "these are national security matters that we need to be manufactured in the United States".
Lutnick's comments have generated disappointment for those who held out hope that popular products from major Chinese technology companies manufacturing computers, smartphones, and flat-screen TVs would be exempt from Trump's 145% reciprocal tariffs.
In the same way, his words create greater confusion about the tariff policy of the U.S. leader, which has been modified repeatedly.
On the topic, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren warned CNN that trade disruptions will deter companies from investing in the U.S. "Right now, what we have is chaos." she said this Sunday on the network's "State of the Union" program.
"Investors will not invest in the U.S. when Donald Trump is playing red light, green light with tariffs,” he stated.
Trump rejects "exceptions" and issues a warning
For his part, President Trump reacted strongly to reports about tariff exemptions, stating that "no exceptions were announced" and that the technology products in question "are subject to the current 20% tariffs on fentanyl, and they are simply being moved to another tariff category".
Through his network Truth Social, Trump accused the media of spreading "fake news" and stated that his team is investigating the entire supply chain of semiconductors and electronic products as part of future national security measures.
"We will not be hostages of other countries, especially of hostile trading nations like China (...). Those days are over!" wrote the president, who has promised a "Golden Era" for the United States based on tax cuts, local manufacturing, and trade reciprocity.
"Our country will be bigger, better, and stronger than ever. We will make America great again!" he concluded his message.
Last Thursday, Trump imposed tariffs of 145% on China and a base tariff of 10% on other places, which threatens to increase the prices of products within the country.
This was the latest modification to the tariff policy of the Trump administration, which has taken several turns in its massive plan to impose tariffs on products from most countries, with the aim of encouraging domestic production.
However, the Republican leader maintains a conciliatory tone towards his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, assuring that both countries will eventually achieve "something very beneficial."
“We'll see what happens with China. We would love to reach an agreement,” Trump stated during a cabinet meeting open to the press.
In response, China announced on Friday a new tariff increase on imports from the United States, raising rates to 125% and warned Trump that there would be no dialogue under pressure.
The decision marked a new episode of tension in the escalating trade war between the two powers, in which the Asian giant has chosen to maintain a diplomatic tone.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Tariff Exemptions on Chinese Electronic Products
Are the tariff exemptions for Chinese electronic products permanent?
Tariff exemptions are not permanent, as U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, has indicated that they could expire soon and that the products will be subject to a specific levy in one or two months.
Which electronic products are affected by tariff exemptions?
Tariff exemptions currently benefit smartphones, laptops, hard drives, and flat-panel monitors, among other electronic devices, although these exemptions are temporary and may change in the short term.
What is Trump's stance on tariffs on Chinese products?
Trump has made it clear that there are no permanent exceptions for Chinese technology products. He has warned that these products will be subject to existing tariffs and has emphasized the need to manufacture in the U.S. for national security reasons.
How does U.S. tariff policy affect the technology industry?
The tariff policy of the U.S. creates uncertainty in the tech industry, as fluctuating decisions may deter companies from investing in the country. This has been pointed out by figures such as Senator Elizabeth Warren, who warns about the chaos in the investment environment.
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